A veteran of World War II and the Korean Conflict, he retired as a Captain in the U.S. Army. He earned Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the University of Florida and a Doctoral degree from Nova University. He worked for the Duval and Palm Beach County school systems.

Dr. Thomas pastored churches in Palmdale and in Pioneer. He was also a volunteer with the Big Lake Baptist Association. He enjoyed playing the piano and harmonica in the Lampi Memorial Band and was a gifted singer.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Patricia Beck Thomas, daughters Diane Kimball (Gary), Teresa Mitchell (Daniel), and Rachel DeWeese (Daniel); a brother, Eric Thomas (Dorothy); eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.